Firelight (Darkest London #1) by Kristen Callihan

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family’s fortune decimated and forced her to wed London’s most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . .

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it’s selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can’t help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn’t felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

My Review:

A historical romance with a supernatural twist there is a gritty and dark tone to the book. In a place where a father can sell his daughter, and a man is haunted in his quest for a cure, Firelight will have you hooked in seconds.

Filled with ancient curses, demons, secret societies and magical abilities, this is a compelling read. The Damsel in Distress doesn’t need a hero rushing to her rescue, she’s perfectly capable of saving herself. Miranda and Archer are compelling characters, both suffering from their own brand of torment, each one trying to save the other. Both have their strengths but united they are the perfect team.

This book gives you romance, action, intrigue and fantasy all wrapped up in a historical setting. This is the perfect start to a brilliant series that only evolves as we meet the colourful cast of characters who live their lives in secret.